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Information on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
An Overview on PTSD Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

By Matthew Tull, PhD, About.com

Created: July 30, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

It is important to have information on PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people experience traumatic events at some point in their lifetime. Some of the people who experience traumatic events may eventually develop a disorder called PTSD.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs “post-trauma” or after being exposed to some kind of traumatic event.

A variety of symptoms make up a PTSD diagnosis. You can learn more about the specific symptoms of PTSD, as well as the requirements for a PTSD diagnosis below:

PTSD Symptoms

The Requirements for a PTSD Diagnosis

How is PTSD Diagnosed?

How Common is PTSD?

PTSD is more common than you might think, and PTSD does not discriminate based on age, sex, or racial/ethnic background. Read more about the rate with which PTSD occurs in different age, gender, marital, and racial/ethnic groups:

PTSD Rates Based on Age, Sex, and Marital Status

PTSD Rates Based on Race/Ethnicity

Why Does PTSD Develop?

Responses to a traumatic life event differ from person to person. Specific factors that increase risk for the development of PTSD following a traumatic event have been identified. Factors that "protect" people from developing PTSD after a traumatic event have also been identified.

Are You at Risk for PTSD?

Can You Prevent PTSD After Experiencing Trauma?

Other Problems Among People with PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD are distressing enough. Unfortunately though, people with PTSD often experience other problems. You can learn more about some of these difficulties here:

Depression and PTSD

Other Anxiety Disorders and PTSD

Drug and Alcohol Problems and PTSD

Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD

Recovering from PTSD

Fortunately, there is hope for people suffering from PTSD. A number of factors have been linked to recovery from trauma. In addition, treatments are available that have been found to help people recover from PTSD. Medication has also been found to help individuals with PTSD better cope with their symptoms.

I hope that you find the information you need on this site. Look through the site to find more specific information on PTSD, and continue to come back to stay updated on important new developments in the understanding and treatment of PTSD.

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